For over 20 years, this small, community-run nursery has provided high-quality childcare from a building next to Todwick Primary School. It’s a much-loved part of village life—but now, its future is uncertain.
Government funding has been awarded to Todwick Primary to open a new nursery by converting the old swimming pool—the same pool the community fought hard, and ultimately failed, to save. But here’s the issue: this new nursery won’t create any extra places. It simply duplicates what Todwick Early Years already provides, in a village where there is no increase in demand.
Even more frustrating, the decision ignored local consultation, despite strong objections from residents. It also appears to go against the government’s own promise—not to fund school-based nurseries where sufficient provision already exists.
Alexander says: “While I understand why the school applied for the grant, I believe this isn’t the right use of limited public money. And it’s certainly not the right way to treat a trusted local provider with two decades of service to the community.”
“I’ve written to the Secretary of State and our local MP calling for a rethink. Will they change their minds? I don’t know. But we can’t sit on the fence—we need to make a stand. Public money should be spent where it’s needed—like in one of the many villages across Rother Valley that do lack nursery provision.”
Todwick Early Years is a great nursery - if you are looking for a nursery place do go and check them out!
#SupportLocalNurseries #RotherValley #CommunityMatters
